Virtual Desktops in Windows has been an often sought after feature. Similar features are already available in both Mac OSX and Linux distributions, but oddly, those using the most popular operating system in the world are forced to turn to third-party apps to make that happen, until now.
In the Windows 10 Technical Preview, Microsoft introduced Task View, which gives users an over view of all their open applications, as well as the ability to create multiple desktops to better organize those applications and enhance their productivity.
In a recent blog post, Microsoft talked in depth about the new feature, highlighting some of the goals and decisions that went into integrating multiple desktops in Windows. Besides the obvious goal of giving users more desktop space to work on, Microsoft also wanted to make it easy to switch between groups of windows, re-organize those groups of windows seamlessly, as well as ensure that users are in control of the “degree of separation between grouped Windows”.
“When our team set out to build virtual desktops into Windows 10 we first took the time to understand how different people approach organization. For instance, we know that there are “filers” who like to separate things into subsets and then there are “pilers” who prefer to tackle tasks in a single group.” – Microsoft
The software giant has confirmed that there is no limit to how many desktops you can create, just as there is no limit to how many applications you can open. Well, until your system RAM runs out of course. As a result of feedback from the January Technical Preview (build 9926), Microsoft has made it possible to drag individual Windows across desktops, and that makes it a lot easier to organize things to better suit your workflow.
“Of all the virtual desktop feedback provided by Windows Insiders since the January Tech Preview (build 9926), over 63% of requests were in regards to making it easier to move windows across desktops. We heard you loud and clear! We decided to expedite drag-and-drop support in our schedule so that we could provide Insiders with the feature sooner.”
New keyboard shortcuts have also been added for all you power users. ‘WIN + CTRL + LEFT/RIGHT’ to quickly switch between virtual desktops, WIN + CTRL + D to create new desktops, WIN + CTRL + F4 to close the current desktop, and WIN + TAB to launch Task View. Those with PCs that have precision trackpads will also be able to use multi-touch gestures to switch between desktops on the fly.
Since Microsoft is still looking for feedback for the Windows Technical Preview, there is still time for you to offer your suggestions on how Microsoft can further improve on the current implementation of Task View, so be sure to use the feedback app to get your voice heard.
If you’re interested to see what Task View can really do (as well as get some inside info on how we get things done here at WinBeta), check out our editorial here.
Further reading: Microsoft, Task View, Windows 10
